ViraproX is a sunscreen specially designed for people who suffer from cold sores. A daily use lip balm containing sunscreen agents and moisturisers to help protect against cold sores and menthol to help reduce the discomfort of cold sores, should an outbreak occur. Contains lysine.

Apply liberally and frequently to help protect against cold sores, particularly before going into the sun. To help relieve the discomfort of cold sores, reapply every half an hour as necessary.
Always read the label, use only as directed. If symptoms persist see a healthcare professional.

Recurrent cold sores affect18-37% of the population4

What are cold sores and who do they affect?

Cold sores are characterised by recurrent small blisters on or near the lip1 that are caused by the virus herpes simplex.1,2 Approximately 76% of Australian adults are infected with the HSV 1 virus3 - although in many people the virus will not display any symptoms.

After the first infection, the virus establishes itself in the nerve endings and reappearance may occur at an unpredictable rate.2,4 A cold sore is called a ‘cold sore’ because they often occur when a person has a cold. When we have a cold, our immune defenses are down and it is the perfect opportunity for the cold sore virus to cause an outbreak.

Recurrent cold sores affect 18-37% of the population.4 Cold sore lesions will last between 5-15 days. Often the sufferer will have up to 12 hours warning from the onset of tingling to the eruption of a cold sore.1 There is no cure for HSV 1, only management of the frequency and symptoms of an outbreak.

ViraproX lip balm can be applied daily, both when a cold sore has manifested and when no symptoms are present. ViraproX helps protect against the occurrence of a cold sore eruption and also helps to relieve the discomfort of symptoms associated with a cold sore. ViraproX lipbalm can be applied throughout all stages of a cold sore (tingling, blister, weeping, scabbing and healing stages). It is important to use your finger to apply ViraproX lip balm when a cold sore is present to avoid reinfection.

Preventing a cold sore

Most cold sore sufferers know the pain and embarrassment of a cold sore appearing at the most inconvenient of times; a first date, a job interview, on a holiday, or before an important function or event – even your wedding day! The triggers that can bring on a cold sore eruption can be different for each person however common cold sore triggers include:

Dry, cracked lips

Sun Exposure or Sunburn

Emotional stress

Fatigue

Hormonal changes

It is important to understand what triggers are more likely to cause a cold sore for you and learn how to manage these factors. To avoid a cold sore, there are a number of things you can do to help prevent an eruption, resident Scientific Affairs manager Dr Kerryn Greive shares her tips on how to prevent and treat cold sores.

Dr Kerryn Greive’s tips to prevent and treat cold sores:

Winter and central heating can play havoc on our lips and dry them out so keep them hydrated to help prevent a cold sore outbreak.

If we understand what triggers cold sores, in particular our personal triggers, then we can help to prevent them. For example: If dry lips are a trigger for you, then you need to keep your lips hydrated with a quality lip balm; if sunlight is a trigger, be sure to use a lip balm with sun protection; if fatigue can be a trigger for you, then you need to be sure to get enough rest.

If you haven’t been able to protect against your personal triggers and you can feel a cold sore is imminent, this is the time to start treatment. You should start to feel the tingle about 12 hours before the blisters come out - don’t wait until you see the blisters to treat.

If you are experiencing cold sores breakouts very frequently, it would be advisable to visit a doctor to have a general health check. This will help rule out any underlying issues such as a low immune system or a hormone imbalance.

Cold sores can easily spread to other parts of your body or to other people. Avoid kissing or oral activity when experiencing an outbreak and always wash or sanitise your hands after touching a cold sore.

When used according to the directions, ViraproX can be used during pregnancy to help prevent cold sores.